Real Madrid star Endrick could make shock EPL move after transfer talks

Premier League cellar boy Southampton could be in for a big month in January with an ambitious move for Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick, but could face competition.

The 18-year-old Brazilian has emerged as a transfer target for struggling Saints ahead of the opening of the winter window. Endrick only joined the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, on a transfer from Palmeiras for £60 million.

But his chances are limited this season. He has made 10 appearances in all competitions and scored twice but is yet to start a match, with his league appearances limited to late cameos.

And now it's claimed he could leave Real Madrid temporarily in a bid to develop his game. Southampton is one of the clubs linked to him.

According to Sport, the Saints have contacted Real about a possible deal, but could face competition. Serie A side Roma have also reportedly made an inquiry, while Real Valladolid are also interested.

There is still time to make a decision on Endrick's future before January – and the same can be said for his teammate Arda Guler. The Turkish youngster has also been linked with a move away, with Arsenal looking to contact their Spanish counterparts, among others.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has already spoken out about his plans for the duo. Earlier this month the Italian said: “[Endrick is] ready to play, doing very well and showing a lot of quality in training.

“I say the same about Güler. It's young people who are pushing. But the collective idea is to turn things around as quickly as possible. Can you do that with them? Yes. But the goal is to turn it around, that's say the priority not to give minutes to one player or the other. He added: “We can use Endrick and Güler in the next matches. They can help us enormously.”

Whether Southampton manage to sign Endrick or not, they will certainly need more recruits if they are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship. Russell Martin's side have won just once in eleven games so far this season.

They have also struggled to find the back of the net this season; they scored just seven times, fewer than any other team. That form leaves Southampton at the bottom of the table and already four points behind safety.